Public Safety
Infant Car Seat Program
Safety seats are a must for every trip in a car. Most crashes (75%) occur within 25 miles of the home at less than 40mph.
A free monthly car set check is held at the Emergency Training Center, compliments of the Camden County Board of Freeholders and Camden County College.
Please call (856) 783-4808 x 5427 for dates and times.
All 50 states and the District of Columbia have child occupant protection laws. If your baby is not buckled up, you are not only putting your baby at great risk, but you are also breaking the law.
Fussy, fussy – Expect your baby to be fussy, but don't let the whimpers or cries tempt you to hold your baby in your arms. In a 30 mph crash, a 10 pound baby would be ripped from your arms and crushed between your body and the windshield or dashboard.
Extra blankets will help to protect your baby on those cold days, but remember to buckle your baby in an infant seat first, otherwise it is difficult to safely and snugly secure your baby in the seat.
Take the time to double-check that the harness is fastened correctly and pulled snug. Remember, the center back seat is the safest place in the car. A rear-facing infant seat should not be used in the front seat of the cars with an airbag on the passenger side.
Younger siblings will follow the example of older brothers and sisters that buckle up. Encourage all family members to wear safety belts on all trips. it's the law in the state of New Jersey.
Read the car manufacturer's instructions. Seats provide the needed protection only when they are used correctly.
Unfortunately, not all seats fit all cars, Camden County, has monthly car-seat checks at the Camden County Regional Training Center.
Little one's heavy heads and weak necks will be the most protected by a rear-facing infant seat. Infant-only car seats are not designed to protect a baby in a forward-facing position and must never be used in that position.
Every child should be buckled up. Infants under 20 pounds should be in an infant seat. Toddlers from 20 to 40 pounds should be in a foward-facing convertible seat. Next, use a booster seat for toddlers from 40 to 60 pounds or until they are big enough to correctly wear a lap or shoulder belt.
Safety is a very important issue, especially in today's world. For more information on how you can help protect children call the Traffic Safety Division at 856-783-4808 ext 5421.